Kerevi, Rangi gonged as Reds, Rebels top player

Injured Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi has taken out the Stan Pilecki Medal as Queensland's best player of the Super Rugby season, while Hooker Anaru Rangi has claimed the Melbourne Rebels' top gong after his own breakout year.

Kerevi was a consistent attacking threat for the Reds and finished in the competition's top 10 for runs (146), run metres (1,187) and tackle busts (63).

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The 24-year-old missed the last two games of the season due to a ruptured bicep, an injury that is likely to keep him out of the majority of Australia's Test assignments this year, if not all of them.

However he still managed to outpoll his teammates to win the medal - which is voted for by Reds players - with 191 points ahead of prop Taniela Tupou (152) and departing utility back Jono Lance (151).

"It's definitely a blessing and a massive honour to receive the Pilecki Medal," Kerevi said after being presented with the award at a team lunch on Wednesday.

"I was a bit surprised but I'm honoured to receive the award from the group, it's an important one to us as Queenslanders.

"It's great to see so many young guys come through this year.

"We have a lot of potential in the group so we need to make strides forward in 2019."

It is the first time the award has been won since the man it was named after, legendary Wallabies and Queensland forward Stan Pilecki, passed away last year.

"We know Stan loved it when forwards won the award but he certainly appreciated the way Samu approaches the game, with passion and physicality," coach Brad Thorn said.

"(Pilecki's) name lives on and he will always be remembered as the larger than life character who gave so much to Queensland rugby."

18-year-old outside back Jordan Petaia won the rookie of the year award and James Tuttle was recognised as the player who most epitomised the 'Spirit of the Reds' this year.

Meanwhile, despite their season ending on a number of disappointing notes, one bright spots wasthe performance of Rebels hooker Rangi.

The 29-year-old was voted players' player after his form saw Wallabies hooker Jordan Uelese relegated to the bench.

The award is voted on by all 23 matchday players after each Super Rugby game during the season, with Rangi featuring on 15 occasions.

Rangi, who joined Melbourne after nine appearances with the defunct Western Force, said was "humbled" by the honour.

"I had absolutely no idea (I would be in the running for it) - I actually had my back turned when they read my name out," he said.

"I'd really like to acknowledge Jordan (Uelese). It's been a really competitive environment but it's also been a really enjoyable one to be a part of."

Young star Jack Maddocks took home the Rebels' rookie of the year award with the 21-year-old finishing the season as the leading try scorer (nine tries) while also earning a Wallabies squad call-up.

Flanker Angus Cottrell rounded out the winners, taking home the Spirit of Weary Dunlop Award.